my free travel pass

Cookies on citizensinformation.ie

We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice . You can also read our Privacy policy . You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or reject. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by using the My cookie preferences link at the bottom of each page.

Cookie preferences

Cookies used by google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise your IP address so that you are not personally identified. We gather information on:

• How you got to the site
• The pages you visit on citizensinformation.ie, and how long you spend on each page
• What you click while you are visiting the site

Free travel in Ireland

What is the free travel scheme, how to use free travel, where can i use free travel, how to qualify for free travel, how to apply for free travel, where to apply for free travel, senior smartpass for travelling in northern ireland.

The Free Travel Scheme allows you to travel, free of charge, on public transport and some private bus and ferry services.

Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland, can get the Free Travel Scheme.

People with disabilities and carers aged under 66 may also qualify for Free Travel.

If you qualify for Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may travel with you for free if you meet certain criteria (see ‘Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants’ below).

If you can’t travel alone for medical reasons, you may get Free Travel for a companion. This allows a person aged over 16 to travel with you for free.

Changes to the Free Travel Scheme in 2024

From 29 July 2024, you will qualify for the Free Travel Scheme if you are aged over 17 and under 66, and:

• Have never been able to drive due to a disability
• Have a driving licence and are medically certified as ‘not fit to drive’ for at least 12 months.

While the change won’t take effect until July, you can download and fill in an application form for Free Travel for people medically certified unfit to drive (FTM) (pdf) now.

In this case, your spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant cannot accompany you free of charge when travelling.

If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-hand corner. The letter following it shows who can travel for free with you:

• FT-P - you can travel for free
• FT+S - your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free
• FT+C - you can have a person (over 16) travel with you for free

You must show or scan your Public Services Card to the travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. Find out more about 'How to use your public services card for free travel' .

Paper travel passes are no longer being issued but you can still use your paper pass, if it is valid.

You can use your Free Travel on most Iarnród Éireann , Bus Éireann , Dublin Bus , DART and Luas Services and on certain private bus and ferry services (pdf) .

Free travel is also available on Dublin Bus Nitelink , Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI (Transport for Ireland) Local Link services .

Free travel does not include some special services such as Dublin Bus AIRLINK services .

You can find a full list of services where you can use Free Travel (pdf) on gov.ie.

There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel.

Living on the Aran Islands or Tory Island

If you are permanently living on any of the Aran Islands, you may get up to 12 single (or 6 return) air trips each year between the islands and Galway City.

People who live permanently on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) are entitled to 8 (or 4 return) free journeys on the seasonal helicopter service operating between the island and Falcarragh on the mainland.

If your public services card includes free travel for a companion, spouse, partner or cohabitant, they can also travel with you for free on the above services.

Going to Northern Ireland

You may also travel free of charge on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But to travel free in Northern Ireland, you must have a Senior Smart Pass – see ‘Senior SmartPass for travelling in Northern Ireland’ below.

To get Free Travel you must be living in Ireland and meet one of the following conditions:

• You are aged 66 or over
• You are getting Disability Allowance , Blind Pension , Carer's Allowance or an Invalidity Pension
• You are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension
• You have been getting Incapacity Supplement or Workmen's Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months
• You are a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative's Allowance
• You are getting a social security invalidity payment (or similar payment) from a country covered by EU regulations or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months

Widow or widower or a surviving civil partner

If you are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over, living in Ireland and your late spouse or civil partner had Free Travel, you can get Free Travel, if you are getting one of the following payments:

• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Contributory) Pension
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension
• One-Parent Family Payment
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme
• A similar social security pension or benefit from a country covered by EU regulations or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement
• You are getting an ordinary Garda widow's pension

Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants

If you are entitled to Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may be able to travel with you for free.

Your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant cannot travel with you for free, if you are under age 66 and getting Free Travel because you are:

• Getting Carer's Allowance
• The nominated carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance

Your PSC card must have FT-S on it to allow your partner travel with you. To add your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant to your Free Travel - see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

If you can’t travel alone

If you are unable to travel alone , you can have a person, over 16 years of age, travel with you for free. Your PSC card must have FT-C on it. To add a companion to your Free Travel, see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

Free travel companion card for children

A child with a visual impairment can get Free Travel for a companion if they are under 18 and they either:

• Satisfy the blindness condition for a Blind Pension, or
• Are registered with Vision Ireland or the National League of the Blind of Ireland

The person they travel with (companion) must be age 16 or over.

Work and Free Travel

You can keep your Free Travel for 5 years, if you moved from one of the following disability payments to work:

• Disability Allowance
• Invalidity Pension
• Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)
• Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

You can also keep your Free Travel for 5 years if you transferred from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment , SOLAS or a Back to Work scheme.

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a State pension, your Public Services Card (PSC) will be issued showing that you have Free Travel automatically.

If you are under 66, you will get Free Travel automatically issued on your PSC if you get one of the following payments:

• Blind Pension
• Carer’s Allowance

If you are married or in a civil partnership, your PSC will be issued with FT-S on it. If you are cohabiting, you must fill in Part 1 and 2 of the Free Travel application form FT1 (pdf) .

If you are not getting one of the payments above but you are eligible for Free Travel, you must fill in the Free Travel application form FT1(pdf) and send to the Free Travel Section in the Department of Social Protection.

If you can’t travel alone and need a companion

If you are unable to travel alone, you can apply for Free Travel for a Companion, using either of the following forms:

• Over 70 Companion pass form (pdf)
• Under 70 Companion pass form (pdf)

You can get an application form for Free Travel from the Department of Social Protection. The form is also available at your local post office and Citizens Information Centre .

Lost or damaged Free Travel pass or PSC

There are currently 2 types of Free Travel Pass:

• A paper Free Travel Pass
• A Public Services Card with Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner)

Paper passes are no longer being issued so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass, you must undergo SAFE registration and get a Public Services Card .

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 0818 837 000 to request a replacement card.

Free Travel

Social Welfare Services College Road Sligo Ireland

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you can travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a Senior SmartPass card.

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you do not need to meet the residency condition in Northern Ireland to apply for a Senior SmartPass card.

How to apply for a Senior SmartPass

To get a Senior SmartPass, you must fill in an application form (FTNI1). You can get this form from your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. It is not possible to get this form online .

You should not use a photocopy of the form as each form is barcoded. The application form must be filled in with black ink only and returned in person (not posted) to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

You must bring each of the following items with your application form to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office:

• Your Irish Free Travel pass/Public Services Card
• Proof of your address, (for example, a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement)
• Proof of your identity, (for example, your driving licence, passport or another form of photo identification)
• A recent passport standard colour photograph

It may take up to 6 weeks to process your application. There is further information on the extension of the Free Travel Scheme .

Travelling with a partner or companion

A spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion cannot travel with you for free on public transport within Northern Ireland.

However, your Irish Free Travel allows your spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion to travel for free on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. For example, a cross-border train journey that starts in Ireland and ends in Northern Ireland or vice versa.

Renewing and replacing a Senior SmartPass

Your Senior SmartPass will expire after 5 years.

• If you have electronically used your card within the last 2 years, you will get a new card automatically in the post from Translink when your card expires.
• If you have not used your card in the last 2 years, you will be sent a renewal application form to fill in. The renewal form is not the same as a first-time application and you do not need to supply a photograph.
• If you have never used your card, you will not hear from Translink at all. If you wish to get it renewed, you must contact Translink by email at [email protected] , or telephone 00 44 289 075 9129 or 028 90 66 66 30 and they will send you a renewal application.

If you lose or need to replace your Senior SmartPass for travel in Northern Ireland, you can fill in form (FTNI 2) (pdf) .

Brexit and the Senior SmartPass

On 31 January 2020 the UK exited the EU . Senior SmartPass holders can continue to travel in Northern Ireland on the bus and train.

Related documents

• Tax-free purchases for non-EU travellers The Retail Export Scheme, allows visitors to Ireland (from outside the European Union) to buy goods in Ireland to take home with them and benefit from tax relief. 2867.637
• Customs regulations for travellers to Ireland Find out about the important rules in place regarding customs regulations for people travelling to Ireland. 2639.027
• Travelling from Ireland for healthcare in Europe Introduction to the options for Irish residents who wish to access healthcare in other countries in Europe. 2559.8823

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

Manage cookie preferences

• Free Travel Pass

Contact Information

The Free Travel Scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and all queries about the scheme should be directed to the Department by emailing [email protected] or calling 071 915 7100.

More details on the Free Travel Scheme can be found on their website.

About the Free Travel Pass 

The Free Travel Pass allows holders to travel free of charge on public transport services in Ireland including Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, Luas, TFI Local Link and Kilkenny Services operated by City Direct. The Free Travel Pass is also accepted by many commercial bus services.

You can find a full list of all operators and routes where the Free Travel Pass is accepted on gov.ie .

If you are using a PSC Free Travel Card, please hold the card to the validator until you hear a beep or see the green light.

• Train fares
• - TFI Leap Card Info
• - TFI Leap Top-Up App
• - Young Adult and Student Leap
• - TFI 90 Minute Fare
• Fare Evasion on TFI Services

Latest Posts

Nta launches bike week 2024, nta reaches significant public transport milestone with the approval of four bus corridors by an bord pleanála, public consultation on planned enhancement of bus route 370 waterford to wexford, next events, 3arena: 2024 concerts, wellfest 2024 at rhk 11 and 12 may, darkness into light pieta house closures in the phoenix park 11th may.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

TSA PreCheck®

Enjoy the same great tsa precheck benefits you know and love, now with new enrollment options..

Enjoy a smoother security screening process with no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets.

*TSA uses unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, throughout the airport. All travelers will be screened, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

TSA PreCheck Benefits

Wait 10 Minutes or Less

About 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes.

Families Welcome

Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when TSA PreCheck appears on the child’s boarding pass.  Learn more .

Nationwide Access

More than 200 airports and 90+ airlines  provide TSA PreCheck®

How it works

To enroll in TSA PreCheck just follow these three steps or walk into any enrollment location. Be sure the enrollment provider selected has enrollment locations near you. To renew simply click here and complete your renewal online in as little as 5 minutes.

1. Apply Online

Select an enrollment provider with enrollment locations near you. Submit your TSA PreCheck application online in as little as 5 minutes.

2. Visit an Enrollment Location

Complete enrollment in 10 minutes at your chosen provider which includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.

3. Get Your TSA PreCheck Number

Once approved, get your Known Traveler Number (KTN), add it to your airline reservations and start saving time in screening.

New TSA PreCheck Enrollment Options

TSA has selected the following partners to help enroll travelers in TSA PreCheck. Applicants can pick any enrollment provider based on cost, locations , and additional benefits. Get started below.

Costs for enrollment vary by provider which results in pricing variation.

tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov

Convenient access to 620+ enrollment centers and local enrollment events daily.

620+ Active Locations

IDEMIA provides fast and easy online renewal

• Renew online for $70
• Renew in-person for $78

tsaprecheckbytelos.tsa.dhs.gov

Enroll in TSA PreCheck® with Telos and look for upcoming travel deals.

28 Active Locations

Renew through Telos for a convenient renewal experience

• Renew in-person for $70

tsaprecheckbyclear.tsa.dhs.gov

Enroll in minutes when it's convenient for you - no appointment necessary.

3 Active Locations

Renew through CLEAR and you may qualify for discounts on other CLEAR travel products.

• Renew online for $68.95
• Renew in-person for $77.95

Additional TSA Resources

Tsa precheck customer service.

Learn who to contact based on your question or concern, plus ways to contact us.

Find your TSA PreCheck Number

Need your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to complete a renewal or update an existing airline reservation? TSA PreCheck members only, excludes Global Entry.

Search Here

TSA PreCheck Enrollment Locations

Find open enrollment locations for CLEAR, IDEMIA or Telos. Check back for updates.

Get TSA PreCheck for free!

Free Travel Pass - If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-handed corner. Free Travel Pass is valid on all Citylink services. 

The letter following shows who you can take with you:

you can travel for free (Valid for Card Holder Only)

FT + S

your spouse, or civil partner can travel with you for free

FT + C

you can have a person (over 16) travel with you for free

Senior (65+) SmartPass

Northern Ireland Senior (65+) SmartPass is valid on Citylink/GoBus/Eireagle.com services.

When booking your ticket online please do not select the adult fare ticket. Please select the free travel pass option. 

** Free Travel Pass Holders MUST be in possession of their Travel Pass to give to Driver on boarding the Coach.  If you do not have your travel pass with you, you will be charged the applicable fare.**

Citylink is pleased to announce that we accept the Free Travel Pass (FTP) on all routes:

• Route No. 760 Galway - Dublin Airport
• Route No. 761 Galway - Dublin City & Airport Express
• Route No. 712 Limerick - Dublin Airport eireagle
• Route No. 763 Galway - Dublin Airport Multi-stop Serving Galway, Oranmore, Loughrea, Athlone, Moate, Kinnegad, Kilbeggan, Enfield, Dublin City, Dublin Airport.
• Route No. 251 Galway - Limerick - Cork - Cork Airport
• Route No. 923 Galway - Clifden
• Route No. 721: Castlebar-Dublin Airport
• Route No. 430: Galway-Ballina
• Route No. 660: Galway-Dublin City Express
• Route No. 707: Cork-Dublin City & Airport
• Route No. 720: Galway - Dublin City & Airport

Passengers with FTP / N.I. SmartPass cards can reserve and guarantee their seat for a specific journey by using our online booking facility or visiting our travel centres. Please note, a fee of €3 per seat is in place for Free Travel Pass tickets on our Multi-Stop routes and €5 per seat on our Express routes. You must carry your Free Travel Pass with you and show it to the Driver on Boarding . If you do not have your travel pass with you, you will be charged the applicable fare. 

To book an FTP ticket online, do not put anything under Adult, Student, Child etc, go straight to FREE TRAVEL PASS and from the dropdown menu. Select 1 if one person travelling or 2 if two persons travelling but must be covered on the same pass. If there are two persons travelling with two separate passes, then you need to make two separate reservations. Enter the 12 digit card number on the back of the FTP card, NOT your PPS number. We strongly recommend passengers reserve their seat in advance, especially when travelling to the airport.     A person must be 16 years or older to accompany a Free Travel Pass holder and only if the FTP card allows . Children accompanying a Free Travel Pass holder must make a seperate reservation on our website at www.citylink.ie. Children up to 14 years old must purchase a child fare and 14+ must purchase a student or standard fare as applicable. Tickets may also be purchased directly from the driver subject to availability.

Please note when boarding the coach you must present your valid FTP card.  

Need help booking your ticket? Watch our handy video tutorial below. 

Please keep in mind, if you already have a mytravelpass, your pass is valid until the day before your 22nd birthday and you do not need to re-apply annually for a new pass.

mytravelpass

Call us on 0300 200 22 33

16-21 years old?

Save approx 30% on bus travel in wales*.

Lost or stolen card?

Plan my journey

How mytravelpass works, how do i apply.

You can apply online, on the phone or by post.

What happens next?

We will send you mytravelpass and you can start using straight away.

How does it work?

Just hop on the bus, present mytravelpass to your driver and you will receive a third off the price of your ticket compared to the equivalent adult fare.

And off you go!

For 16 – 21 year olds who love cheaper travel

Connect with mytravelpass.

Mytravelpass uses cookies on this website to help operate our site and for analytics purposes. For more on how and which cookies are used and where you can alter our cookie usage, see learn more. By continuing to use our services, you are giving us your consent to use cookies.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Driving and transport
• Parking, public transport and the environment

Apply for an older person's bus pass

If you live in england or wales.

In England you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age .

If you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you’re 60, but only within London.

In Wales you can get a bus pass when you reach 60.

Enter your postcode to:

• apply for a bus pass from your local council
• check if you can get one sooner

Find a postcode on Royal Mail's postcode finder

If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland

You get an older person’s bus pass when you’re 60. Apply if you’re in:

• Northern Ireland

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

• Shop all deals
• Free phones
• Smartphones
• Fios Home Internet
• Bring your own device
• Accessories
• Refer a Friend
• Verizon Visa® Card
• Certified pre-owned phones
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro
• Apple iPhone 15
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• Google Pixel 8 Pro
• Other phones
• Trade in your device
• Tablets & laptops
• Certified pre-owned watches
• Jetpacks & hotspots
• Shop all accessories
• Phone cases
• Screen protectors
• Tablet accessories
• Chargers & cables
• Phone attachments
• MagSafe compatible
• Verizon accessories
• Shop all watch accessories
• Smart watches
• Shop all plans
• International services
• Connected devices
• Discounts overview
• Mobile + Home
• First responders
• Verizon Forward
• Connected car plans
• Shop all home solutions
• 5G Home Internet
• LTE Home Internet
• Accessories overview
• Cables & connectors
• Networking & Wi-Fi
• TV accessories
• Phone equipment
• 5G Home accessories
• Prepaid overview
• Phone plans
• International plans
• Basic phones
• Mobile hotspots & routers
• Why Verizon Prepaid
• Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+
• Apple Arcade
• Google Play Pass
• Apple Music
• Xbox All Access
• Services & perks overview
• Entertainment
• Protection & security
• Digital family
• Financial services
• Back to Menu
• Sign in to My Account
• Prepaid instant pay
• Business Log in

Choose your cart:

• Mobile solutions
• Home solutions

$10/day in 210+ countries and destinations.

To add TravelPass, text the word TRAVEL to 4004 or click here

With TravelPass

Get unlimited talk text and data* in 210+ countries and destinations. Once added, you'll only be charged on the days you send or receive a call, send texts or use data on your device while abroad, so there's no need to remove it when you return.

TravelPass can be used in 210+ countries and destinations .

If you choose not to add TravelPass or travel to a country not included in TravelPass you'll be charged Pay as You Go rates.

Back to International Travel plans

$10 /line per day. Plus taxes and fees.

$5/line in Canada and Mexico.

Roaming in Canada and Mexico is included with Unlimited Plus, Unlimited Welcome, and other Unlimited plans.

Get a TravelPass day on us every month on select Unlimited plans.

What's included:

Unlimited data

Unlimited calls

Unlimited texts

Your domestic data allowance*

*After the first 2GB of daily session enjoy unlimited 3G data. You can purchase additional high speed data for the remainder of your session. World device is required. Must be on a qualifying plan.

Trip Planner

Find the best plan for your international trip.

TravelPass days on us.

Get 2 free TravelPass days per year when you sign up to the Verizon Visa Credit Card.

Sorry, your browser doesn't support embedded videos

Have questions? We’ve got answers.

How will i be charged for travelpass.

You're only charged on days you use your device in a TravelPass country :

• $5/day in Mexico and Canada. Remember, calling, texting and data use in Mexico and Canada are included at no extra cost in our Unlimited mobile plans.
• $10/day in other TravelPass countries.
• If you travel to 2 countries within a single 24-hour session or have a layover in a different country on your way to your final destination, you're still only charged for the first session.
• There's no charge when you're in the US.

Which countries can I call with TravelPass?

With TravelPass, you can call within the country you're visiting and you can call back to the US. If you want to call a different country, add an International Long Distance Plan to your line in My Verizon website or the My Verizon app. If you don't add an international long distance plan you'll be charged international long distance pay per minute rates for these calls.

How does TravelPass work?

After you add TravelPass to your line:

• A 24-hour TravelPass session starts automatically when you use your device in a TravelPass country (e.g., make or answer a phone call, send a text or use data).
• You must turn on cellular data or data roaming when you go to the TravelPass country to use Travel Pass.
• App content refreshing (e.g., Weather apps, Fitness Tracker, etc.)
• Syncing (e.g., with email)
• Device or app software updates
• 2 hours after the session starts we send you a text letting you know when your 24-hour TravelPass session ends. Using your device after that time will start a new session.

Can I use Wi-Fi calling with TravelPass?

Wi-Fi calling isn't included with TravelPass. Wi-Fi calling to a country other than the US is charged international long distance rates regardless of whether or not you have an international travel plan.

See more FAQs

More about International travel

Service and pricing.

Check available services and pricing by country.

See our worldwide service coverage map for data, voice and messaging services.

International Travel Terms & Conditions

Calling a country outside the us, international services support.

While in the US: (800) 711-8300

Travelling outside the US: 1 (908) 559-4899

If your device is lost, stolen or broken, or you experience a device issue while you are traveling outside the US, please use the below instructions to reach the International Support Team from a landline phone:

• 1. Dial your country’s toll-free number
• 2. Enter your 10-digit mobile number when prompted by the International Hotline

See toll-free numbers

If a toll-free number is not available for the country you are in, please dial (908) 559-4899 (toll charges will apply).

• Home Internet & TV
• Mobile + Home discount
• Support overview
• Return policy
• Community Forums
• Business support
• Download My Verizon App
• Accessibility
• Check network status
• Responsibility
• Verizon Innovative Learning
• Consumer info
• 5G overview
• Innovation Labs
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus
• Apple AirPods Max
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Elizabeth James
• Terms & Conditions
• Device Payment Terms & Conditions
• Report a security vulnerability
• Mobile customer agreement
• Announcements
• Radio frequency emissions
• Taxes & surcharges
• Legal notices
• facebook-official
• Privacy Policy
• California Privacy Notice
• Health Privacy Notice
• Open Internet
• Terms & Conditions
• About Our Ads

Who is eligible for this ticket?

• Customers in possession of a valid open class ticket

What are the conditions of travel?

Customers who are already in possession of or purchasing on the day of travel a valid standard class ticket(s) such as Family Ticket, Day Return, Open Return, Weekly, Monthly, Annual or InterRail ticket can book on their chosen service by selecting the 'Reservation Only' option in the Passenger selection box. Customers are advised there is limited availability for seat only bookings online.

How do I buy this ticket? 

• Read our FAQ on how to book a seat only reservation .

Where can I buy this ticket? 

• You can purchase the ticket  above using our journey planner . Tickets can only be purchased up to 90 days in advance.

Where do I collect the ticket? 

See our  Ticket Collection  section.

• Free Travel/DSFA Pass Holders

Customers who hold a  Free Travel / DSFA Pass  can book on their chosen service by selecting the  'Free Travel Pass'  option in the Passenger selection box. Customers are advised there is limited availability for Free Travel bookings online.

• Please see our handy guide on how to book a 'Free Travel Pass' option .
• You can purchase the ticket  above using our Journey Planner . Tickets can only be purchased up to 90 days in advance.
• An allocation of bookings on all InterCity services can be reserved online without a fee for 'Free Travel Pass or valid ticket holders'. When this allocation is fully booked, all remaining seats can be reserved by 'Free Travel Pass or valid ticket holders' for €2.50 per journey. 

For more information on Online Tickets please see Ticket Information

There are a limited number of wheelchair accessible spaces on each train, book in advance to avoid disappointment.

passenger-seat icon Travel Pass or Travel Ticket holder

Is an option for customers who are in possession of Free Travel Pass, a valid standard class ticket(s), seasonal ticket(s), Taxsaver ticket(s) or InterRail to book onto a train in standard class. Customers who have a valid standard class ticket but wish to upgrade to First Class should also use this selection. For more information go to Tickets Explained section.

Please select the passenger(s) who require this ticket type

Booking a 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' option

For InterCity travel pre-booking is recommended.

Free Travel Pass   holders wishing to book their ticket should select the passenger option 'Free Travel Pass' when making their online booking. 

A ' Reservation Only ' option is an option for customers who would like to pre-book on a service and who are in possession of a ticket(s) such as Family Tickets, Single, Day Return, Weekly, Monthly, Annual, Taxsaver Monthly, Taxsaver Annual, InterRail and Free Travel pass holders/DFSA free travel scheme. 

A 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' option is not a valid ticket for travel on its own .

Customers are advised there is limited availability for 'Free Travel Pass' or Reservation Only' options online. An allocation of bookings on all Intercity services can be reserved online without a fee for 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' ticket holders. When this allocation is fully booked, all remaining seats can be reserved by 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' ticket holders for €2.50 per journey. Also please note tickets are only available up to 90 days in advance.

Looking for more information check out our FAQ  Where do I find Information on the Free Travel Pass?

Step by Step guide to booking a 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' option

• Step 1 - Enter your origin and destination in the 'From' and 'To' fields, select a 'Single' or 'Return' ticket and select your date(s). Select the passenger drop down arrow. A box will appear listing the passenger types.
• Step 2 - Navigate to 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only', use the plus and minus arrows to add the amount of Free Travel passengers including companion passengers or Reservation Only passengers. Please note, an 'Adult' fare will be automatically added. If you do not have a fee paying adult travelling with you, please select the minus button to remove this fare. Once you have all the required fields filled out select 'Apply'.

• Step 3 - click here to skip to step 3, continued below.  

Step by Step guide to booking a 'Free Travel Pass or valid ticket holders' option on our alternative Journey Planner

• Step 1 - Enter your origin and destination in the 'From' and 'To' fields, select a 'Single' or 'Return' ticket and select your date(s). Select the type and number of passengers travelling on the journey eg 2 Adults 1 Student.
• Step 2 - To book, select ' Free Travel Pass or Valid Ticket holders ' a pop-up will appear on your screen(see images below). If you are travelling with multiple passengers please tick the box for each passenger that is entitled to free travel. 

Once you have all the required fields filled out select 'Go'. You will then receive a full list of available services and the total price for all passengers travelling will be displayed.

• Step 3 - Choose the service(s) you wish to travel on by selecting one of the fares presented and select 'Book Tickets'. If you are looking for further information like intermediate stations, select the 'Trip details' button.
• Step 4 - Log in -  If you have an existing Irish Rail account then you need to enter your email address and password and select 'Login'. If this does not work select "forgotten password" option and follow the instructions on screen. If you don’t have an account you can continue as a  ‘Guest’ to the 'Passenger Details' page.
• Step 5 - Passenger Details -  Enter name(s). If you don't have an account, don't worry, you can register for an online account by simply ticking 'Yes, I wish to create an Iarnród Éireann account' under 'Customer details'. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email with your password, please ensure that you copy and paste the password from the email to avoid making a mistake typing in the password. You can update your password under ' My Account ' if you wish.
• Step 6 - Payment Overview -  Read and agree to the terms and conditions then click  'Pay Now'
• Step 7 - Confirmation - You have now reached the confirmation page, please ensure to either take note of your 'Ticket Collection Number' or download your QR ticket. You will also receive an email confirmation of your booking with the details included. You can now add the booking to your calendar for convenience!
• Step 8 - Collect or download your Ticket - Depending on your selected ticket fulfilment method, use your 'Ticket Collection Number' to print your ticket at the train station you are travelling from or download your QR ticket via the link in your confirmation email. For more information on collecting your ticket(s) click here .

Customers experiencing difficulty booking a 'Free Travel Pass' or 'Reservation Only' option, please contact us . 

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

Your privacy settings

We use cookies to help you with journey planning and relevant disruptions, remember your login and show you content you might be interested in. If you're happy with the use of cookies by West Midlands Combined Authority and our selected partners, click 'Accept all cookies'. Or click 'Manage cookies' to learn more.

An update on issues collecting Swift tickets

Get an older person's travel pass.

You can get a pass for free bus travel anywhere in England when you reach the female State Pension age. It does not matter if you’re a man or a woman.

The pass lets you travel for free during off-peak times:

• between 9.30am and 11pm, Monday to Friday
• all day at weekends and on public holidays

If you live in the West Midlands, you can use your pass on the buses from 9.30am until 11.59pm. You can also get free travel on:

• trains in the Blue Zone from 9.30am to 11.59pm
• trams from 9.30am until the last service of the day

If you want to travel before 9.30am, you can get a £1.50 single fare on National Express West Midlands buses. Show your travel pass to the driver and ask for a £1.50 single ticket.

If you often travel before 9.30am, you can get a pre-9.30 add-on ticket. Use our ticket finder to find pre-9.30 add-on tickets .

You can also use your travel pass as a pay as you go card. This means you can use it to pay for:

• travel before 9.30 am

To use your travel pass as a pay-as-you-go card, you need to either:

• register your card online

Check if you're eligible

You can find out if you've reached the age for free bus travel on the GOV.UK website.

You can get a West Midlands older person's travel pass if you live in the West Midlands. You must live at a property where council tax is paid to one of these councils:

• Wolverhampton

If you do not live in the West Midlands, contact your local authority to apply.

Apply for an older person's pass

You can either:

• apply online
• download an application form to print out and send in the post

If you apply through the post, send your application to the address on the form.

Renew your travel pass

We'll write to you 4 to 6 weeks before your pass expires and tell you how to renew it.

If you’ve lost your letter, you can still renew your travel pass online .

You should get your new pass 2 weeks before your current one expires. Contact Customer Services if you have not got it by then.

Customer Services - Ticketing

Telephone: 0345 303 6760

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8am to 6pm Wednesdays, 10am to 6pm Saturdays, 9am to 1pm Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays

Update the details on your travel pass

You can update your personal details online if your name or address has changed.

You can update your photo by email or by post. Send your new photo to Ticketing Services.

You'll need to send us:

• a new, passport-style colour photo
• your full name and address
• the 16-digit number on the front of your travel pass

Customer Services - Ticketing Transport for West Midlands 16 Summer Lane Birmingham B19 3SD

Submit an enquiry

Stay up to date

Receive an email notification when this information changes.

Cookies on MyWelfare

By clicking “Accept All Cookies” you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. Cookies help us to understand how you use this site, improve your experience and measure performance. You can choose your cookie preferences by clicking on "Manage Cookies". Find out more about how we use cookies in our Privacy policy.

Pathways to Work

Parents, children, family, out of work payments, health, disability, illness, accessing public services, community welfare services, pensions and older people, statements, refunds and repayments, calculators and estimators, ukraine supports, renew your public services card.

You’ll need a verified MyGovID account to renew your Public Services Card.

Why renew your Public Services Card?

The Public Services Card assists you in accessing a range of public services in an easy and safe manner. If you are a Free Travel customer, an in date Public Services Card is required for you to use this service.

To ensure no interruption in services you are advised to renew your Public Services Card before it expires.

Click here to learn more about the Public Services Card

Who can renew their Public Services Card using MyWelfare?

You can renew your Public Services Card online if:

• You have a Public Services Card that is due to expire in the next 90 days or which has already expired
• You are 18 years of age or over
• You live in any of the 32 counties of Ireland
• You have informed the Department about any change to your name since your last Public Services Card was issued

What kind of photo do I need to upload?

The photo must meet the same standards as that of a passport photograph. 

The photo must:

• Have a plain, light-coloured background (Patterned/panelled backgrounds are not acceptable).
• Have face and eyes fully visible with no glasses worn. Please look directly at the camera.
• Not be a photo of a photo.
• Have even lighting and no shadows .
• Have a plain facial expression and mouth closed.
• Your head should occupy 70-80% of the photograph.
• There should be at least a small margin between your head and the edge of the photo.
• Be in the original JPEG format (not compressed).
• Be in colour.
• Be 5MB or less .
• Be at least 450W x 600H pixels.
• Be in portrait format (3:4 ratio) .

What is a 3:4 ratio photo?

A 3:4 aspect ratio photo is one that is slightly taller than it is wide, such as a passport photograph. In terms of pixels, a photo with the dimensions; 600 pixels wide by 800 pixels in height (600 x 800) , for example, would be a 3:4 ratio photograph.

Depending on your device you may have different apps or options available to you in order to crop your photo, if required, to the 3:4 aspect ratio .

What do I need to do to renew my Public Services Card?

You must have a verified mygovid account.

You can verify your account on MyGovID .

Confirm your personal details

For security we will need you to confirm your personal information is correct.

Confirm your address

We will need to confirm that you’re living at the same address.

Upload a recent digital photo

You will be asked to upload a recent photograph that meets particular criteria similar to a passport photograph.

Learn more about taking a good photo

Why do I need to provide a recent photo?

Your photograph will appear on your Public Services Card. As a number of years have passed since your last card was issued, a new photograph is required that reflects your current appearance.

What should I do if my Public Services Card is lost?

If your Public Services Card is lost, stolen or damaged, you should immediately contact the Public Services Card Helpdesk at 0818 837000

How is the information provided for my Public Services Card stored?

For more information on how the government stores personal information please visit Gov.ie SAFE registration .

Flying internationally? Here’s what you need to know about the Mobile Passport Control app

I 'm a big fan of Mobile Passport Control and have been a loyal user for many years. It's my entry expediting program of choice when I return to the U.S. from overseas and want to avoid long lines at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The program continues to expand. Currently, eligible U.S. citizens and Canadian citizen visitors can use Mobile Passport Control at 51 sites, including 33 international airports in the U.S., 14 preclearance locations and four seaports.

It's available at two of the three airports near my home — New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the latter of which I frequent most — making it incredibly convenient for me to use.

At both JFK and EWR, Mobile Passport Control funnels me into the line for diplomats, providing the equivalent of VIP service for free. I was concerned and disappointed when it seemed like the service was being phased out in the past. However, it turns out it wasn't the program that was changing, just the app to use it.

In fact, I find I can use Mobile Passport Control more frequently despite recent changes made to the app name and appearance.

According to a representative from Airside — the developer of the original Mobile Passport Control app — the blue and white airport pilot icon in both the Apple and Google Play app stores is now just a placeholder. When you click it, you'll be directed to CBP's MPC app.

Despite the change, this is still the Mobile Passport Control app. The only difference is it is now operated directly by CBP instead of Airside as of Feb. 1, 2022.

If you're unfamiliar with the concept of Mobile Passport Control, it's a free service that speeds up entry at select ports and airports nationwide. At its most basic level, it generates a digital version of the required customs form to complete on your phone and then generates a digital QR code to show at passport control.

The new app works the same as the previous version, according to CBP.

First, travelers download the CBP MPC app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. (Do this when you have Wi-Fi.)

Once they land in the U.S., there are a few steps to take.

"Travelers will select their arrival airport or seaport and terminal, take a self-photo, and answer a series of CBP inspection-related questions," the CBP says. "Once the traveler submits their transaction through the app, the traveler will receive an electronic receipt with an Encrypted Quick Response (QR) code. Travelers then bring their physical passport and mobile device with their digital QR-coded receipt to a CBP officer to finalize their inspection for entry into the United States."

Unlike Global Entry — which costs $100 for a five-year membership (and will go up to $120 soon ) — Mobile Passport Control is free. It does not require travelers to apply or get approved (a process that can take up to 11 months for Global Entry, according to CBP).

Related: Chase follows Citi to increase Global Entry statement credits to $120 from October

One noticeable difference between the new CBP version and the original Mobile Passport Control app is that there is no paid, upgraded version. Previously, the Airside model had offered a paid version that stored your information so you didn't have to reload it each time (as you did with the free basic offering).

My most recent experience with Mobile Passport Control indicates that my information (and that of my husband and son, whom I added to my app) is stored for future use; however, we still need to take a new photo every time we open the app when we land. It's a small inconvenience compared to the time and money we save by using this simple app and program.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a first-time or frequent traveler
• Best travel credit cards
• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• 8 of the best credit cards for general travel purchases
• 13 must-have items the TPG team can't travel without

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Find your local Age UK

• Site search Search term
• Back Information and advice
• Back Money & legal
• Back Benefits and Entitlements
• Attendance Allowance
• Benefit rates 2024-25
• Benefits Calculator – what are you entitled to?
• Bereavement Support Payment
• Carer's Allowance

Benefits for mixed age couples

• Changes to the benefits system
• Cold Weather Payment
• Council Tax Reduction
• Disability Living Allowance
• Employment and Support Allowance

Free bus pass and transport concessions

• Free prescriptions for over 60s
• Housing Benefit
• How to apply for a Blue Badge
• How to challenge a benefits decision through mandatory reconsideration
• How to get help with urgent or one-off expenses
• How your benefits are means tested
• Income Support
• Jobseeker's Allowance

Pension Credit

Personal independence payment.

• Returning to the UK after living abroad
• Support for Mortgage Interest
• TV licence concessions
• Universal Credit
• Warm Home Discount
• Winter Fuel Payment
• More money in your pocket information guide
• Back Debt and savings
• Debt help and advice
• Energy advice for the home
• Financial jargon checker
• How to reduce your water bills
• How to trace lost money
• Using credit wisely
• Back Income and tax
• What is equity release?
• Ways to reduce Council Tax
• Inheritance tax
• How to boost your income in retirement
• Equity release information guide
• Back End of life planning
• Back Legal issues
• Finding legal advice
• How to be an executor information guide
• Making a will
• Power of attorney
• Power of attorney information guide
• Thinking about end of life information guide
• What is a living will (advance decision)?
• What to do when someone dies
• Wills and estate planning information guide
• Back Pensions advice
• Annuities explained
• Finding old pensions
• Pension calculator
• Pensions scams and fraud
• State Pension
• What are workplace pensions?
• What pension options do I have?
• Back Scams and fraud
• How to spot a catfish
• Spotting TV Licence scams
• Doorstep scams
• Postal scams
• Phone scams
• What to do if you're the victim of a scam
• Investment scams and fraud
• Avoiding scams information guide
• Help with the cost of living
• Back Consumer advice
• Changes to landline telephones
• Back Health & wellbeing
• Back Conditions and illnesses
• Bladder and bowel problems information guide
• Bowel problems
• Coronavirus
• Depression and anxiety
• Hearing loss
• High blood pressure
• Influenza (flu) prevention
• Malnutrition
• Osteoporosis
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Back Health services
• Dental services for older people
• 9 health tests that could save your life
• Getting the most from your medicines
• Getting help when feeling unwell
• NHS continuing healthcare
• Your hospital stay
• GP services for older people
• Leaving hospital
• Complaining about NHS services and hospitals
• What standards you should expect from NHS services
• Your hospital stay information guide
• Back Being active
• Getting active when you find exercise difficult
• Getting active but not sure where to start
• Helping someone to get active
• Preventing falls
• How to look after your feet
• Walking tips
• Physical activity videos to use at home
• Staying steady information guide
• Back Mind and body
• 10 tips for ageing better
• 5 tips to boost your mood
• Getting a good night's sleep
• Your mind matters
• Mindfulness
• Staying cool in a heatwave
• Staying sharp
• Preventing and treating burns
• Back Loneliness
• A Life Less Lonely
• Caring for someone who's lonely
• Feeling lonely
• Back Keep well this winter
• Keeping warm and well in winter
• Keep your spirits up
• Look after each other
• Cold weather advice and tips
• Managing money in winter
• Winter wrapped up information guide
• Winter illnesses
• Back Relationships and family
• Financial and legal tips before remarrying
• Planning for end of life
• Protection from abuse and neglect
• Dating in later life
• Sex in later life
• How to deal with grief after a bereavement
• How to adjust to living alone
• Top tips for grandparents
• Worried about someone?
• Back Care & support
• Back Finding and arranging social care
• Care needs assessment
• Home care: how to find the care you need at home
• Back Paying for care
• Financial assessment explained
• Paying for residential care
• Paying for homecare
• How much does care cost?
• Back Help for carers looking after a loved one
• Carer's assessment
• Financial support for carers
• Balancing working and caring responsibilities
• Caring for someone with dementia
• Looking after yourself as a carer
• Respite care: having a break from caring
• What to do when your caring role changes or ends
• Carer's checklist
• Back Housing options in later life
• Assisted living and extra-care housing
• Safety in the home
• Home adaptations to simplify home tasks
• Specialist housing options
• Renting and social housing
• Homelessness
• Moving in with family
• Residential park homes
• Sheltered housing
• Back Problems with care
• How to complain about care to your local council
• Problems with homecare
• Back Work & learning
• Back Making the most of the internet
• Computer training courses
• Glossary of online terms
• Getting started on the internet
• Staying safe online
• Keeping in touch using a video call
• Making your device easier to use
• How to download apps
• Email essentials
• What's WhatsApp?
• Using social media
• Is online banking safe?
• How to transfer money and make payments
• Shopping safely online
• Online password security
• Age UK's digital instruction guides
• Back Discrimination and rights
• EU citizens and settled status after Brexit
• Help for Ukrainian nationals in the UK
• Human rights
• The Equality Act
• Windrush Scheme
• Your rights at work
• Back Education and training
• Build up your skills
• Classes and courses
• Higher education and university
• u3a – Later life learning
• Back Looking for work
• Be your own boss
• CVs and job applications
• Job interview tips
• Back Retirement
• Preparing emotionally for retirement
• Paul Lewis: Retirement planning advice
• Living abroad after retirement
• Retirement age
• Back For professionals
• Benefits hub for professionals
• Mental health hub for professionals
• Winter hub for professionals
• Information guides and factsheets

Age UK Advice Line 0800 678 1602

Free to call 8am – 7pm 365 days a year Find out more

Telephone friendship

Get a free weekly friendship call. We'll match you with one of our volunteers. Our service is flexible to suit the different needs of everyone who takes part.

• Sign up for telephone befriending
• Find services near you
• Find charity shops near you

Popular services

• Age UK Advice Line
• Befriending services
• The Silver Line Helpline
• Day Centres
• Exercise and physical activity
• Handyperson services
• IT Training
• Social activities
• Back Services
• Back Get involved
• Back Donate
• Make a donation
• Back Leave a gift in your will
• How to leave a gift in your will
• Making and amending your will to include a gift to Age UK
• Information for executors
• The difference a gift in your will could make
• Ways to write your will
• Free Wills Month 2024
• Will Aid 2024
• Back Donate to our shops
• Age UK and The Wombles join forces
• Age UK's eBay store
• Sustainability
• Back Donate in memory
• Make a donation in memory
• Fundraise for Age UK in memory of your loved one
• Make a one-off donation
• Funeral donations and collections
• Set up a Tribute Fund
• Meaningful ways to remember your loved one
• Make a major gift
• The difference your money makes
• Our professional fundraisers
• Back Fundraise
• Back The innocent Big Knit – get knitting for charity
• innocent Big Knit updates
• Back Sporting events
• Run for charity
• Skydive for charity
• Cycle for charity
• Charity walks and treks
• Charity triathlon events and obstacle courses
• Do your challenge for Age UK
• Back Fundraising ideas
• Most popular ideas
• Sporty ideas
• Fundraise at work
• Fundraise at school
• Fundraise while you celebrate
• Fundraise as a community
• Let's get fundraising
• Pay in your fundraising
• Fundraising resources
• Leeds Abbey Dash
• TCS London Marathon
• Back Stream for Ages
• Your free downloads
• Back Lottery and raffle
• Play the Age UK lottery
• Tuesday Treat Draw
• Play the Age UK raffle
• Gift the Lottery
• Player Zone
• How every entry helps
• Are you a winner?
• Lottery and Raffle rules
• Back Volunteering
• Telephone Friendship Service volunteering
• The Silver Line Helpline volunteering
• Connect and Support Service volunteering
• Age UK shops volunteering
• Local Age UK volunteering
• Support our campaigns
• Back Corporate partnerships
• Why partner with Age UK
• Back Ways we could work together
• Can your company support the Age UK Telephone Friendship Service?
• Latest jobs with Age UK

Age UK. Know what to do. 

Last year, over 10 million people trusted us to help them with some of the biggest issues in their lives. Learn more about how we help.

How your support helps

Here's how, with your support, Age UK is supporting older people through the cost of living crisis.

• See the difference your donations make

Making older people's voices heard

• Age UK know what to do
• Campaigning with older people
• Discover - news, stories and features
• Media Centre
• Policy and research
• Wellbeing programmes
• Politics and government
• Back Our impact
• Back Buy products
• Back Over-50s Insurance
• Car insurance
• Home insurance
• Motor breakdown cover
• Travel insurance
• Travel insurance with medical conditions
• Back Independent living
• Bathing Solutions
• Stairlifts and Homelifts
• Personal Alarms
• Back Financial services
• Funeral Plans
• Legal services
• Back Healthcare
• Incontinence products

Benefits and Entitlements

If you're 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass.

What transport concessions are available?

Can i get a free bus pass, can i get a discount on train travel, can i get a london freedom pass, what if i have difficulty using public transport, what if i'm unable to use public transport, more travel concessions questions.

There are several national public transport concessions available to older and disabled people. Some entitle you to discounts on your fares, while others allow you to travel for free.

Eligibility for these concessions depends on whether you have a disability or your age. 

Depending on your age and your circumstances, you might be able to get one of the following free bus passes, which allow you to travel free on local buses:

• an older person's bus pass
• a disabled person's bus pass

What age do I have to be to get an older person's bus pass?

You can get an older person's bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men.

Apply for your older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

If you're 60 or over and live in London, then you can get free travel on buses, trains and other modes of transport in and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Apply for your 60+ London Oyster photocard on the TFL website

How can I get a disabled person's bus pass?

There's no central provider of the disabled person's bus pass – to find out if you're eligible and how to apply, you need to get in touch with your local council.

Find your local council and apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Are there any other discounts if I'm an older person or I'm disabled?

It's a good idea to contact individual transport operators to see if they offer discounts.

For instance, National Express offers Coachcards. These are discount cards for older or disabled customers. You buy them for a set fee of £15.00 and they get you a third off the cost of your travel across the year.

Find out more and order a Coachcard on the National Express website

Depending on your age and circumstances, you might be entitled to one of the below railcards:

• a Senior Railcard
• a Disabled Person's Railcard

Both railcards are discount cards. You buy them for a set fee to last either 1 or 3 years and they get you a third off the cost of your train travel.

Can I get a Senior Railcard?

The Senior Railcard is available for anyone aged 60 or over to buy.

You can apply on the Senior Railcard website using a valid passport or UK driving licence as ID. Or, you can apply in person at most staffed railway stations.

Find out more about the Senior Railcard and apply online

Can I get a Disabled Person's Railcard?

The Disabled Person's Railcard is available to you if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you're registered as deaf or use a hearing aid
• you're registered as having a visual impairment
• you have epilepsy
• you receive a disability-related benefit, such as  Personal Independence Payment
• you receive War or Service Disablement pension
• you receive Attendance Allowance
• you receive Severe Disablement Allowance
• you receive War Pensioner's mobility supplement

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard and apply online

Freedom Passes give London residents free travel in the city – including National Rail services, the Underground, buses, river services and trams – and free local bus journeys nationally.

If you live in London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass if one of the following applies to you:

• you've reached State Pension age
• you have a disability.

Find out more about Freedom Passes and apply on the London Councils website

National Rail has an interactive tool called Stations Made Easy, designed to help people find their way around stations and find more accessible routes, avoiding potential difficulties like stairs. This may be helpful if you have difficulty using public transport because of your health. 

Find out more and use the tool on the National Rail website

If you're disabled, you can't use public transport, or you don't have access to a car, you might also be able to use a community transport scheme – such as a social car, dial-a-ride, or taxicard scheme.

Shopmobility schemes help people shop in town centres by lending out wheelchairs and scooters. Some local councils also offer concessions on local public transport.

To find out what's available in your area, you can contact your local council or your local Age UK.

Find your local council on GOV.UK

• Please select a search type
• Please enter a valid postcode

No, you can't use a free bus pass on National Express buses. To get senior concessions on National Express you need to buy a senior coachcard, which costs £15 a year.

Top of section

Yes, your bus pass will give you free travel on buses across England, including London. However, there may be specific rules about when you can travel for free, so check your local council's free bus pass guidance before travelling.

Find your local council's older person's bus pass guidance on GOV.UK

Want more information?

Apply for an older person's bus pass on GOV.UK

Apply for a disabled person's bus pass on GOV.UK

We're here to help

We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.

About the Age UK Advice Line Find your local Age UK

Share this page

• Share on Facebook

Last updated: Apr 09 2024

You might also be interested in...

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who need help with daily activities or getting around.

Pension Credit information guide

If you’re over State Pension age and struggling to make ends meet, you might be entitled to Pension Credit. Download...

Being part of a mixed age couple affects which benefits you can claim. Find out if this affects you and what you...

If you're over State Pension age and you're struggling to make ends meet, Pension Credit could help top up your income.

Become part of our story

• Please enter a valid email address

Back to top

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

This clever travel hack lets you enjoy access to some of the world’s luxury airport lounges AND free bubbly for a right bargain

Share this with

SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.

Until now, the closest we’ve got to the feeling of luxury when flying was walking past the designer shops in the airport on our way to the loo.

But there’s a new and nifty way for us to travel in style and feel like we’re living that bad and bougie lifestyle on a budget.

Priority Pass is the world’s largest independent airport lounge access programme and basically offers you jammy discounts on over 1400 lounges across 600 cities in 148 countries.

Suffer from pre-flight nerves? The heaving crowds pouring out of every corner won’t help. But with Priority Pass , you get access to the calm and quiet lounges and get to ease in to vacation mode in style.

The lounges also offer free Wifi to keep you connected and something to eat and drink, including free alcohol in most. A complimentary glass of something bubbly? You don’t have to tell us twice.

Also, it doesn’t matter what ticket you’re flying on. You could have nabbed the last seat by the loos in economy and still be able to enjoy a feeling of decadence in the lounges.

Plus, if you arrive early you may even be able to enjoy some luxury treatments. A calming head massage before we head off? What a time to be alive.

A Standard Plus Membership is £229 per year , which works out to just over £19 a month. For that, you get ten free lounge visits and you can pay £24 per visit for a plus one.

The Standard Membership is just £69 per year and that means every visit to the lounge is just £24. Which, considering you get free Wifi and food and drink, is a straight up bargain, right?

And we also have some extra fab news as Metro readers can now get 30% off Standard and 20% off Standard Plus .

The Priority Pass has a ton of lounges across Europe, including London airports.

For instance, The Plaza Premium Lounge at Heathrow offers premium alcoholic drinks and there’s even a nap room. Seriously, a room to take a nap. It’s all we’ve ever wanted because quite frankly, life is exhausting.

Returning from a trip to the Big Apple ? JFK Airport has the Primeclass Lounge and you can tuck in to a gorgeous selection of hot and cold dishes, plus unlimited alcohol.

Your Daily Horoscope

Daily horoscope today: May 9, 2024 astrological predictions for your star sign

Seriously, it’s worth booking a trip to New York just for that.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE : The top 10 best Amazon travel essentials to grab before your holiday – including cabin bags, plane adapters and more

MORE : Luggage brand with 110 years’ worth of travel experience has just launched new ‘Icon Collection’

MORE : Shoppers say these trousers are ‘great for travelling and sightseeing’ (plus they’re under £35)

Sign up to our Shopping newsletter

Get the latest trends, offers and trusted reviews

Get need-to-know travel news, inspiration and advice from Metro every week.

Sign up here....

Privacy Policy

To the Nigerian mistaken for a Ghanaian traveling from Woolwich to…

To the guy with blond, shoulder-length hair wearing a greyish-black,…

Enter your birthday for your free daily horoscope sent straight to your inbox!

Get us in your feed